JP7826700B2 - Radio wave sensor installation support device, computer program, and radio wave sensor installation position determination method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a radio wave sensor installation support device, a computer program, and a method for determining the installation position of a radio wave sensor.

Patent document 1 discloses an axis adjustment device that adjusts the axis of an onboard radar installed in a vehicle.

JP 2015-68746 A

Driver Safety Support Systems (DSSS) provide vehicles with vehicle and pedestrian information via road-to-vehicle communication at intersections with poor visibility, alerting drivers to prevent traffic accidents. For this traffic monitoring purpose, radio wave sensors (hereinafter referred to as "infrastructure radio wave sensors") are installed on roads or intersections. Infrastructure radio wave sensors, which are designed to detect pedestrians at crosswalks in particular, are installed near intersections, but there are many obstacles near intersections that can obstruct installation, such as utility poles, traffic lights, traffic signal controllers, buildings, and shrubs. The range of radio wave radiation varies depending on the location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor, making some locations unsuitable for installation. To determine the installation location of such infrastructure radio wave sensors, workers would inspect the site to determine suitable locations. As a result, determining the installation location of infrastructure radio wave sensors was dependent on the skill of the workers, resulting in significant cost and time requirements.

A radio wave sensor installation assistance device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by a radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk; a candidate position designation unit that accepts designation from a user of candidate positions in the image that are candidates for installation positions of the radio wave sensor; and a display control unit that causes a display device to display the radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor, determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position, superimposed on the image. The candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position, and when the candidate position designation unit accepts the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed.

A computer program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a computer program for assisting a computer in installing a radio wave sensor, and causes the computer to function as: a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by the radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk; a candidate position designation unit that accepts, from a user, a candidate position designation in the image that is a candidate position for installing the radio wave sensor; and a display control unit that causes a display device to display, superimposed on the image, the radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor that is determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position; the candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position; and, when the candidate position designation unit accepts the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed.

A method for determining the installation position of a radio wave sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for determining the installation position of a radio wave sensor using an installation support device that supports the installation of the radio wave sensor, and includes the steps of: specifying candidate positions for the installation position of the radio wave sensor in an image displayed on the installation support device, the step of causing the installation support device to superimpose on the image a target position for radio wave irradiation by the radio wave sensor and a radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor determined based on the specified candidate position; and the step of instructing the installation support device to move the specified candidate position, the step of causing the installation support device to change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the instructed candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed.

The present disclosure can be realized not only as a radio wave sensor installation assistance device having the above-described characteristic configuration and a computer program for causing a computer to function as the installation assistance device, but also as an infrastructure radio wave sensor installation assistance method that includes characteristic processing steps, or as a radio wave sensor installation assistance system that includes the installation assistance device.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide users with information useful for installing infrastructure radio wave sensors.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of an infrastructure radio wave sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the installation assistance device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the installation support device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position determination screen on which an image including a pedestrian crossing is displayed. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing an image displayed on the installation position determination screen in FIG. 4 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image including a pedestrian crossing on which a radio wave irradiation range is superimposed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of rank A. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of rank B. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of rank C. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of rank D. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of rank E. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position determination screen on which an evaluation result of one candidate position is displayed. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of transition of the radio wave irradiation range in response to continuous changes in the coordinates of the candidate position. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position determination screen when an area including a plurality of candidate positions is specified. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position determination screen on which evaluation results of a plurality of candidate positions are displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for image input processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a planned detection area determination process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for obstacle setting processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a first installation position determination support process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an evaluation process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a second installation position determination support process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a form output process.

Overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure
The following provides an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure.

(1) The radio wave sensor installation support device according to this embodiment includes a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by a radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk; a candidate position designation unit that accepts designation from a user of candidate positions in the image that are candidates for installation positions of the radio wave sensor; and a display control unit that causes a display device to display the radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor, determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position, superimposed on the image. The candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position, and when the candidate position designation unit accepts the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range when the candidate position is moved.

(2) The installation assistance device may include an input device for specifying coordinates in the image, the candidate position specification unit may accept continuous changes in the coordinates specified by the user on the input device as an instruction to move the candidate position, and the display control unit may change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range by real-time processing in accordance with the continuous changes in the specified coordinates. This allows the user to confirm changes in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in real time in accordance with the continuous changes in coordinates.

(3) The display control unit may cause the display device to display a straight line or line segment connecting the target position and the candidate position superimposed on the image and the radio wave irradiation range. This allows the user to visually confirm the reference direction of radio wave irradiation connecting the target position and the candidate position.

(4) The straight line or the line segment may be an arrow pointing from the candidate position to the target position. This allows the user to visually confirm from where and to where the radio waves are being emitted.

(5) The display control unit may superimpose a planned detection area, which is planned as a detection area for the radio wave sensor to detect an object, on the image and the radio wave irradiation range and display it on the display device. This allows the user to visually confirm the overlap between the planned detection area and the radio wave irradiation range.

(6) The planned detection area may be divided into a plurality of partial areas, and the display control unit may display each of the plurality of partial areas on the display device by superimposing them on the image and the radio wave irradiation range. This allows the user to visually confirm the overlap between each partial area and the radio wave irradiation range.

(7) The display control unit may superimpose on the image a non-illuminated area in which radio waves emitted by the radio wave sensor are blocked by an object, and the display control unit may change the shape of the non-illuminated area in accordance with movement of the specified candidate position. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the non-illuminated area when the candidate position is moved.

(8) The display control unit may control the display device to display a mark indicating the evaluation result of the candidate position as an installation location for the radio wave sensor at the candidate position in the image. This allows the user to visually confirm the evaluation result of the candidate position as an installation location.

(9) The candidate position designation unit may accept designation from the user of an area in the image that includes multiple candidate positions, and the display control unit may cause the display device to display multiple marks corresponding to each of the multiple candidate positions in the area in the image designated by the user. This allows the user to visually confirm the evaluation results for each candidate position in the designated area.

(10) The display control unit may cause the display device to display the mark in a color corresponding to the rank of the candidate location. This allows the user to visually confirm the rank of the candidate location.

(11) A computer program according to this embodiment is a computer program for assisting a computer in installing a radio wave sensor, and causes the computer to function as: a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by the radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk; a candidate position designation unit that accepts, from a user, a candidate position designation in the image that is a candidate position for installing the radio wave sensor; and a display control unit that causes a display device to display, superimposed on the image, the radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor that is determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position. The candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position, and when the candidate position designation unit accepts the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range when the candidate position is moved.

(12) A method for determining an installation position for a radio wave sensor according to this embodiment is a method for determining an installation position for the radio wave sensor using an installation support device that supports the installation of the radio wave sensor, and includes the steps of: specifying a candidate position for the installation position of the radio wave sensor in an image displayed on the installation support device, the step of causing the installation support device to display a target position for radio wave emission by the radio wave sensor and a radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor determined based on the specified candidate position, superimposed on the image; and the step of instructing the installation support device to move the specified candidate position, the step of causing the installation support device to change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the instructed candidate position, while keeping the target position fixed. This allows a user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range when the candidate position is moved.

<Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure>
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. At least some of the following preferred embodiments may be combined in any desired manner.

[1. Infrastructure radio wave sensor]
1 is a diagram showing an example of use of an infrastructure radio wave sensor according to an embodiment. The infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 according to this embodiment is a radio wave radar for traffic monitoring, and detects pedestrians at a crosswalk 20. The infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar.

The infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is attached to a structure 50 installed on a road. The structure 50 is several meters tall, and the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is installed several meters above the ground. The structure 50 includes, for example, a pole 51 and an arm 52 installed near the top end of the pole 51, and the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is attached to the arm 52.

The infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 detects objects (e.g., pedestrians, bicycles) on the crosswalk 20 by emitting radio waves (millimeter waves) onto the crosswalk 20 and receiving the reflected waves. More specifically, the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 can detect the distance from the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 to an object on the crosswalk 20, the object's speed, and the horizontal angle (azimuth angle) of the object's location relative to the radio wave emission axis.

The infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 sets a detection area 30, which is the range on the road for detecting objects. The detection area 30 is set as part of the radio wave irradiation range 40 of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. In other words, the radio wave irradiation range 40 covers the detection area 30. In order for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 30 to monitor traffic conditions across the entire crosswalk 20, it is preferable to set a detection area 30 that includes the entire crosswalk 20. Note that the radio wave irradiation range 40 is the range within which an object reflects the radio waves emitted by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 and the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 can detect the object based on the reflected waves from the object; it does not include a range within which the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 cannot detect an object even if it can emit radio waves. However, the radio wave irradiation range 40 is not limited to this and may be the entire range within which the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 can emit radio waves.

The radio wave irradiation range of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 described above changes depending on the installation position and angle. Therefore, in order to install a detection area 30 that includes the entire crosswalk 20, the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 must be installed at an appropriate position and angle. In this embodiment, the installation assistance device assists in determining the installation position and angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 described above.

2. Configuration of installation support device
2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the installation support device according to this embodiment. The installation support device 100 according to this embodiment is used by a user who determines the installation position and angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. The installation support device 100 includes a processor 101, a non-volatile memory 102, a volatile memory 103, an input/output interface (I/O) 104, a graphics controller 105, and a communication interface (communication I/F) 106. The installation support device 100 further includes an input device 201, a printer 202, and a display device 203.

The volatile memory 103 is a semiconductor memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory 102 is a flash memory, a hard disk, or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The non-volatile memory 102 stores an installation assistance program 107, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the installation assistance program 107, such as image data (image files) 108. The installation assistance device 100 is configured with a computer, and each function of the installation assistance device 100 is realized when the processor 101 executes the installation assistance program 107, which is a computer program stored in the computer's storage device. The installation assistance program 107 can be stored on a recording medium such as flash memory, ROM, or CD-ROM. The processor 101 uses the installation assistance program 107 to assist the user in determining the installation position and angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10.

The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 101 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 101 may also be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 101 may also be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable logic device such as a gate array or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, the ASIC or programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute processing similar to that of the installation assistance program 107.

For example, the input device 201 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device 201 may also be a capacitive or pressure-sensitive touchpad overlaid on the screen of the display device 203. The input device 201 is used to input data to the installation assistance device 100. The I/O 104 is connected to the input device 201 and the printer 202. The I/O 104 accepts input data from the input device 201 and provides the accepted data to the processor 101. Furthermore, the I/O 104 outputs print commands and data required for printing provided by the processor 101 to the printer 202. The printer 202 performs printing in accordance with the input print commands and data.

The display device 203 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an OEL (organic electroluminescence) panel. The display device 203 can display text or graphic information. The graphics controller 105 is connected to the display device 203 and controls the display on the display device 203. The graphics controller 105 includes, for example, a GPU and VRAM (Video RAM), stores data to be displayed on the display device 203 in the VRAM, periodically reads one frame of video data from the VRAM, and generates a video signal. The generated video signal is output to the display device 203, and the video is displayed on the display device 203. The functions of the graphics controller 105 may be included in the processor 101. A portion of the volatile memory 103 may be used as VRAM.

The communication I/F 106 can communicate with external devices. For example, the communication I/F 106 can transmit information including the installation position and angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 determined using the installation assistance device 100 to a server or terminal device.

3. Functions of the installation support device
3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the installation support device according to this embodiment. When the processor 101 executes the installation support program 107, the installation support device 100 functions as an image input unit 111, a display control unit 112, an area determination unit 113, a target position determination unit 114, a candidate position designation unit 115, a radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116, an obstacle setting unit 117, a non-irradiation range determination unit 118, an evaluation unit 119, a report creation unit 120, and an output unit 121.

The image input unit 111, area determination unit 113, target position determination unit 114, candidate position designation unit 115, radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116, obstacle setting unit 117, non-irradiation range determination unit 118, evaluation unit 119, and form creation unit 120 are mainly realized by the processor 101. The display control unit 112 is mainly realized by the graphics controller 105. The output unit 121 is mainly realized by the I/O 104.

The image input unit 111 accepts input of image data 108 including a crosswalk. The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display an installation location determination screen including the input image data 108. The image data 108 is data of an image including a crosswalk, such as photographic data of a crosswalk. However, the image data 108 is not limited to photographic data, and may be, for example, map data including a crosswalk, or drawing data of a crosswalk used in road construction.

Figure 4 shows an example of an installation location determination screen on which an image including a pedestrian crossing is displayed, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the image displayed on the installation location determination screen in Figure 4. The installation location determination screen 300 includes a display area 301 for an input image. In the example of Figure 4, the display area 301 is the area on the left side of the installation location determination screen 300. For example, a button 302 for instructing the loading of an image is provided near the display area 301. The user can display a window (not shown) for selecting image data 108 by performing an operation to select button 302 on the input device 201. By selecting image data 108 from the window, the user can specify the image data 108 to input. When the user specifies the image data 108, the image input unit 111 accepts the input of the image data 108.

Returning to Figure 3, the area determination unit 113 determines the planned detection area 303 based on the displayed image 108A. See Figure 5. The planned detection area 303 is an area planned as a detection area for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 to detect objects. On the installation position determination screen 300, the coordinates of the image 108A are defined in advance. The origin of the coordinates is, for example, the upper left corner of the image 108A, and an X-axis extending rightward from the origin and a Y-axis extending downward from the origin are defined.

The installation position determination screen 300 includes a zebra setting section 319 for setting the crosswalk area (hereinafter referred to as the "zebra area") 304 in the image 108A. The zebra setting section 319 includes the upper center point of the crosswalk in the horizontal direction (upper center zebra) 311A, the lower center point of the crosswalk in the horizontal direction (lower center zebra) 311B, the upper left corner point of the crosswalk (upper left corner of the zebra) 311C, the upper right corner point of the crosswalk (upper right corner of the zebra) 311D, and the roadway on the incoming side of the intersection (the roadway on which vehicles are traveling in the direction of entering the intersection; hereinafter referred to as the "incoming roadway") 311D. The zebra setting unit 319 includes a plurality of input boxes for inputting the coordinate values (X, Y) of the left end point (upper left end of the exit boundary) 311E and the right end point (upper right end of the exit boundary) 311F of the boundary between 10A and the roadway on the exit side of the intersection (the roadway on which vehicles travel in the direction of exiting the intersection; hereinafter referred to as the "exit roadway") 310B, the lower left corner point of the crosswalk (lower left edge of the zebra) 311G, and the lower right corner point of the crosswalk (lower right edge of the zebra) 311H. The user can specify the zebra area 304 in image 108A by inputting the coordinate values into each input box of zebra setting unit 319 or by clicking and specifying each of the above points on the displayed image 108A. Hereinafter, the zebra top center 311A, zebra bottom center 311B, zebra top left edge 311C, zebra top right edge 311D, outflow boundary top left edge 311E, outflow boundary top right edge 311F, zebra bottom left edge 311G, and zebra bottom right edge 311H will be collectively referred to as "area definition points." Note that the area definition points 311 may be detected by the installation support device 100 analyzing the image 108A.

The area determination unit 113 determines the zebra area 304 based on the area definition points 311A to 311H. The area determination unit 113 further determines the planned detection area 303 based on the zebra area 304. The area definition points 311A to 311H are points used to define the planned detection area 303.

The planned detection area 303 is larger than the zebra area 304. Specifically, the planned detection area 303 is an area that is extended from the zebra area 304 on both the left and right sides, and from the zebra area 304 on both the top and bottom sides. The areas that extend from the zebra area 304 on both the left and right sides are margins for detecting pedestrians or cyclists (hereinafter, "pedestrians" includes cyclists) walking slightly off the crosswalk. The areas that extend from the zebra area 304 on both the top and bottom sides are waiting areas for pedestrians waiting at traffic lights on the sidewalks 312A and 312B.

For example, the non-volatile memory 102 of the installation assistance device 100 stores a margin size setting value and a waiting area size setting value. An example of a margin size setting value is the length of the margin in the X direction from the left and right edges of the zebra area 304. An example of a waiting area size setting value is the length of the waiting area in the Y direction from the top and bottom edges of the zebra area 304. The area determination unit 113 can determine the planned detection area 303 by expanding the zebra area 304 in the left and right directions (X direction) by the margin size setting value, and by expanding the zebra area 304 in the up and down directions (Y direction) by the waiting area size setting value.

The planned detection area 303 is divided into multiple partial areas. In a specific example, the planned detection area 303 is divided into an incoming waiting area 303A, an incoming zebra area 303B, an outgoing zebra area 303C, and an outgoing waiting area 303D. The incoming waiting area 303A is part of the sidewalk 312A adjacent to the incoming roadway 310A, and is an area where pedestrians wait while waiting for the traffic light to change. The incoming zebra area 303B is a crosswalk area on the incoming roadway 310A. The outgoing zebra area 303C is a crosswalk area on the outgoing roadway 310B. The outgoing waiting area 303D is part of the sidewalk 312B adjacent to the outgoing roadway 310B, and is an area where pedestrians wait while waiting for the traffic light to change. The area determination unit 113 can determine each of the incoming side waiting area 303A, the incoming side zebra area 303B, the outgoing side zebra area 303C, and the outgoing side waiting area 303D.

The display control unit 112 superimposes the incoming waiting area 303A, the incoming zebra area 303B, the outgoing zebra area 303C, and the outgoing waiting area 303D on the image 108A and displays them on the display device 203. In a specific example, the display control unit 112 displays each of the incoming waiting area 303A, the incoming zebra area 303B, the outgoing zebra area 303C, and the outgoing waiting area 303D in a transparent color. This prevents the incoming waiting area 303A, the incoming zebra area 303B, the outgoing zebra area 303C, and the outgoing waiting area 303D from obscuring the image of the crosswalk included in the image 108A, allowing the user to see both the incoming waiting area 303A, the incoming zebra area 303B, the outgoing zebra area 303C, and the outgoing waiting area 303D and the image of the crosswalk. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the positional relationship between the crosswalk and the incoming waiting area 303A, incoming zebra area 303B, outgoing zebra area 303C, and outgoing waiting area 303D.

The display control unit 112 can display the inflow side waiting area 303A, the inflow side zebra area 303B, the outflow side zebra area 303C, and the outflow side waiting area 303D in different colors. By displaying each area 303A-303D in different colors in this way, the user can easily distinguish between the inflow side waiting area 303A, the inflow side zebra area 303B, the outflow side zebra area 303C, and the outflow side waiting area 303D.

Returning to Figure 3, the target position determination unit 114 determines the target position for radio wave irradiation by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 in the image 108A. See Figure 5. For example, the target position determination unit 114 determines the default target position 305 to be the center point of the upper side of the incoming side zebra area 303B. For example, the user can specify any point in the image 108A as the target position. The target position determination unit 114 can change the target position 305 to the point specified by the user.

Returning to Figure 3, the candidate position designation unit 115 accepts designation from the user of a candidate position in image 108A that is a candidate for the installation location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. In the example of Figure 5, it is assumed that the location for installing the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is to be determined on the sidewalk 312B adjacent to the outbound roadway 310B. The user can designate a candidate position by operating the input device 201, for example by clicking a desired point in image 108A.

Returning to Figure 3, the radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 determines the radio wave irradiation range of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 based on the target position 305 determined by the target position determination unit 114 and the candidate position accepted by the candidate position designation unit 115. The installation assistance device 100 has information for determining the radio wave irradiation range (e.g., the beam width from the radio wave transmission surface and the reachable distance of the radio waves). The radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 uses the above information to determine the radio wave irradiation range, which is a range having a beam width centered on a straight line connecting the candidate position and the target position 305, and which is also the range from the candidate position to the reachable distance of the radio waves.

The display control unit 112 displays the radio wave irradiation range determined by the radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 on the display device 203, superimposed on the image 108A. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image including a crosswalk with the radio wave irradiation range superimposed. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the radio wave irradiation range 307 is displayed in a transparent color. This prevents the radio wave irradiation range 307 from obscuring the image of the crosswalk and the planned detection area 303 included in the image 108A, allowing the user to visually recognize the radio wave irradiation range 307, the image of the crosswalk, and the planned detection area 303. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the positional relationship between the radio wave irradiation range 307, the crosswalk, the incoming side waiting area 303A, the incoming side zebra area 303B, the outgoing side zebra area 303C, and the outgoing side waiting area 303D. For example, the user can easily check whether the radio wave irradiation range 307 overlaps the entire planned detection area 303, and if part of the planned detection area 303 is outside the radio wave irradiation range 307, which part of the planned detection area 303 is outside the range and to what extent.

The display control unit 112 can make the display color of the radio wave irradiation range 307 different from the display colors of the incoming side waiting area 303A, incoming side zebra area 303B, outgoing side zebra area 303C, and outgoing side waiting area 303D. This allows the user to easily distinguish the radio wave irradiation range 307 from each of the incoming side waiting area 303A, incoming side zebra area 303B, outgoing side zebra area 303C, and outgoing side waiting area 303D.

The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display a straight line or line segment connecting the target position 305 and the candidate position 306. For example, the straight line or line segment is an arrow 308 pointing from the candidate position 306 to the target position 305. The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display the arrow 308 superimposed on the image 108, the planned detection area 303, and the radio wave irradiation range 307. This allows the user to easily check the radio wave irradiation direction.

Returning to Figure 3, the obstacle setting unit 117 sets obstacles that block radio waves in association with image 108A. See Figure 4. Traffic light poles 309A and 309B are examples of obstacles that block radio waves. The user inputs the coordinates of the obstacles in image 108A into the installation assistance device 100. In the example of Figure 4, the installation position determination screen 300 includes an obstacle setting unit 313 for setting the position of the obstacle in image 108A. The obstacle setting unit 313 includes multiple input boxes for inputting coordinate values of definition points of traffic light poles 309A and 309B, which are obstacles, in image 108A. The user can set the obstacle in image 108A by inputting coordinate values in each input box of the obstacle setting unit 313, or by clicking and specifying the definition point of the obstacle in the displayed image 108A.

Returning to Figure 3, the non-illuminated area determination unit 118 determines a non-illuminated area in which the radio waves emitted by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 are blocked by obstacles (traffic light poles 309A, 309B). The display control unit 112 displays the non-illuminated area determined by the non-illuminated area determination unit 118 on the display device 203, superimposed on the image 108A. See Figure 6. The non-illuminated area is formed on the opposite side of the obstacle from the candidate position 306. For traffic light pole 309A, a non-illuminated area 314A is formed on the opposite side of the candidate position 306. For traffic light pole 309B, a non-illuminated area 314B is formed on the opposite side of the candidate position 306. The non-illuminated area 314A is an area extending from the traffic light pole 309A in the opposite direction of the candidate position 306, and has a width corresponding to the size of the traffic light pole 309A. The non-illuminated area 314B is an area extending from the traffic light pole 309B in the opposite direction to the candidate location 306, and has a width corresponding to the size of the traffic light pole 309B.

The display control unit 112 can make the display color of the non-irradiated areas 314A, 314B different from the display colors of the incoming side waiting area 303A, incoming side zebra area 303B, outgoing side zebra area 303C, outgoing side waiting area 303D, and radio wave irradiation area 307. This allows the user to easily distinguish the non-irradiated areas 314A, 314B from the incoming side waiting area 303A, incoming side zebra area 303B, outgoing side zebra area 303C, outgoing side waiting area 303D, and radio wave irradiation area 307.

Returning to FIG. 3, the evaluation unit 119 evaluates the candidate location 306 specified by the user based on the radio wave irradiation range 307 and the planned detection area 303 in the image 108A. In a specific example, the evaluation unit 119 calculates a coverage rate, which is the proportion of the planned detection area 303 that overlaps with the radio wave irradiation range 307. The evaluation unit 119 evaluates the candidate location 306 based on the calculated coverage rate.

The evaluation unit 119 can determine the rank of the candidate location 306 based on a comparison of the coverage rate with a threshold. In a more specific example, the evaluation unit 119 calculates the coverage rate for each of the incoming waiting area 303A, incoming zebra area 303B, outgoing zebra area 303C, and outgoing waiting area 303D included in the planned detection area 303. The evaluation unit 119 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 based on the coverage rate for each of the incoming waiting area 303A, incoming zebra area 303B, outgoing zebra area 303C, and outgoing waiting area 303D.

Hereinafter, the incoming waiting area 303A, incoming zebra area 303B, outgoing zebra area 303C, and outgoing waiting area 303D are collectively referred to as "partial areas." The evaluation unit 119 uses, for example, a first threshold value for the partial areas. The evaluation unit 119 calculates, for each partial area, a coverage rate (hereinafter referred to as "partial coverage rate"), which is the proportion of the partial area that overlaps with the radio wave irradiation range 307. The evaluation unit 119 compares each partial coverage rate with the first threshold value and determines whether the partial coverage rate is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. The evaluation unit 119 can determine the rank of the candidate location 306 depending on whether there is a partial area whose partial coverage rate is less than the first threshold value.

The evaluation unit 119 can further use a second threshold value for the planned detection area. For example, the evaluation unit 119 calculates a coverage rate (hereinafter referred to as the "total coverage rate"), which is the proportion of the planned detection area that overlaps with the radio wave irradiation range 307. The evaluation unit 119 compares the total coverage rate with the second threshold value and determines whether the total coverage rate is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. The evaluation unit 119 can determine the rank of the candidate location 306 depending on whether the total coverage rate is less than the second threshold value.

The evaluation unit 119 can evaluate the candidate position 306 further based on the non-irradiated areas 314A and 314B. For example, when calculating the partial coverage rate, the evaluation unit 119 can exclude the overlapping portion of the partial area and the non-irradiated areas 314A and 314B from the overlapping portion of the partial area and the radio wave irradiation range 307. More specifically, when the non-irradiated areas 314A and 314B overlap the radio wave irradiation range 307, the evaluation unit 119 can exclude the overlapping portion of the partial area and the non-irradiated areas 314A and 314B from the overlapping portion of the partial area and the radio wave irradiation range 307. For example, when calculating the overall coverage rate, the evaluation unit 119 can exclude the overlapping portion of the planned detection area 303 and the non-irradiated areas 314A and 314B from the overlapping portion of the planned detection area 303 and the radio wave irradiation range 307. More specifically, when the non-irradiation areas 314A and 314B overlap the radio wave irradiation area 307, the evaluation unit 119 can exclude the overlapping portion of the planned detection area 303 and the non-irradiation areas 314A and 314B from the overlapping portion of the planned detection area 303 and the radio wave irradiation area 307.

The evaluation unit 119 can determine the rank of the candidate location 306 based further on the positional relationship between the candidate location 306 and the planned detection area 303. For example, a recommended range, a semi-recommended range, and a non-recommended range are defined based on the planned detection area 303 and the zebra area 304. The evaluation unit 119 can determine the rank of the candidate location 306 depending on whether the candidate location 306 is in the recommended range, semi-recommended range, or non-recommended range.

Figures 7A to 7E are diagrams illustrating examples of ranks. In the examples of Figures 7A to 7E, the evaluation unit 119 assigns the candidate position 306 to one of five ranks, A to E.

It is estimated that better detection accuracy can be achieved when the angle between the radio wave emission direction of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 and the direction of pedestrian movement on the crosswalk, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the crosswalk (the Y-axis direction in Figure 3), is smaller. Therefore, on the sidewalk where the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is installed (sidewalk 312B adjacent to the outbound roadway 310B in the example of Figure 5), the area obtained by extending the zebra area 304 longitudinally is set as the recommended range 315A for installing the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. On the sidewalk where the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is installed, the area obtained by extending the area widthwise inside the planned detection area 303 and widthwise outside the zebra area 304 (the margin area extending left and right from the zebra area 304) longitudinally is set as the semi-recommended range 315B. The semi-recommended range 315B is the range next to the recommended range 315A for installing the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. The area excluding the recommended range 315A and the semi-recommended range 315B is set as a non-recommended range 315C. The non-recommended range 315C is an area in which installation of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is not recommended.

For example, if the partial coverage rate for all partial areas is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the candidate location 306 is within the recommended range 315A, the candidate location 306 is determined to be ranked A, which is the highest rank (Figure 7A).

For example, if the partial coverage rate for all partial areas is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the candidate location 306 is within the semi-recommended range 315B, the candidate location 306 is determined to be rank B, the second highest rank (Figure 7B).

For example, if the partial coverage rate for all partial areas is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the candidate location 306 is within the non-recommended range 315C, the candidate location 306 is determined to be rank C, which is the third rank (Figure 7C).

For example, if the partial coverage rate for at least one partial area is less than the first threshold and the total coverage rate is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the candidate location 306 is determined to be rank D, which is the fourth rank (Figure 7D).

For example, if the partial coverage rate for at least one partial area is less than the first threshold and the total coverage rate is less than the second threshold, the candidate location 306 is determined to be ranked E, the lowest rank (Figure 7E).

Returning to FIG. 3, the display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display a mark indicating the evaluation result of the candidate location 306 as an installation location for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 at the candidate location in the image 108A. For example, a different mark for each rank is displayed at the candidate location 306. In one specific example, the color of the mark differs for each rank. For example, the color of the mark for rank A is blue, the color of the mark for rank B is green, the color of the mark for rank C is yellow, the color of the mark for rank D is orange, and the color of the mark for rank E is red. Note that the shape of the mark may differ for each rank.

The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display the evaluation results of the candidate position 306 on the installation position determination screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the installation position determination screen on which the evaluation results for one candidate position are displayed. When the evaluation unit 119 obtains the evaluation results for the candidate position, the installation position determination screen 300 transitions to screen 300A, which includes an evaluation result display unit 317. The evaluation result display unit 317 includes the coordinates (X coordinate, Y coordinate) of the candidate position, the horizontal angle (the angle between the radio wave irradiation direction and the longitudinal direction of the zebra area 304), the rank ("Priority Rank" in FIG. 8), the overall coverage rate ("Overall" in FIG. 8), the partial coverage rate in the incoming side waiting area 303A ("Incoming Waiting" in FIG. 8), the partial coverage rate in the incoming side zebra area 303B ("Incoming" in FIG. 8), the partial coverage rate in the outgoing side zebra area 303C ("Outgoing" in FIG. 8), and the partial coverage rate in the outgoing side waiting area 303D ("Outgoing Waiting" in FIG. 8).

Returning to Figure 3, the candidate position designation unit 115 accepts continuous changes in the coordinates of the candidate position 306 designated by the user via the input device 201 as an instruction to move the candidate position 306. The display control unit 112 fixes the target position 305 and changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in accordance with the movement of the candidate position 306 designated by the user. More specifically, the display control unit 112 changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 by real-time processing in accordance with the continuous changes in the designated coordinates.

The display control unit 112 changes the shape of the non-illuminated areas 314A and 314B in response to the movement of the candidate position 306 specified by the user. More specifically, the display control unit 112 changes the shape of the non-illuminated areas 314A and 314B through real-time processing in response to continuous changes in the specified coordinates.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the radio wave irradiation range in response to continuous changes in the coordinates of a candidate position. The user can operate the input device 201 to continuously change the coordinates of the candidate position 306, for example by dragging and dropping. The candidate position designation unit 115 accepts such user instructions to move the candidate position 306. The radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 fixes the target position 305 and determines the radio wave irradiation range 307 for each changing candidate position 306. The display control unit 112 displays the radio wave irradiation range 307 determined by the radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 through real-time processing.

When candidate position 306A is moved to candidate position 306B, radio wave irradiation range 307A transitions to radio wave irradiation range 307B. Furthermore, as the coordinates of candidate position 306 change, arrow 308 connecting candidate position 306 and target position 305 changes in real time. That is, as candidate position 306A transitions to candidate position 306B, arrow 308A transitions to arrow 308B. In this way, radio wave irradiation range 307 changes through real-time processing, allowing the user to check the overlap between planned detection area 303 and radio wave irradiation range 307 while moving candidate position 306. As a result, the user can easily find a candidate position that forms radio wave irradiation range 307 with a large area overlapping planned detection area 303.

The non-irradiation range determination unit 118 determines non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B for each changing candidate position 306. The display control unit 112 displays the non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B determined by the non-irradiation range determination unit 118 in real time.

When moving from candidate position 306A to candidate position 306B, the non-illuminated area transitions from non-illuminated area 314AA to non-illuminated area 314AB, and from non-illuminated area 314BA to non-illuminated area 314BB. Non-illuminated areas 314AA and 314AB are areas where radio waves are blocked by traffic light pole 309A, and non-illuminated areas 314BA and 314BB are areas where radio waves are blocked by traffic light pole 309B.

Returning to Figure 3, the candidate position designation unit 115 can accept a user's designation of an area including multiple candidate positions 306 in the image 108A. The radio wave irradiation range determination unit 116 determines a radio wave irradiation range 307 for each candidate position 306 included in the designated area. The non-irradiation range determination unit 118 determines non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B for each candidate position 306 included in the designated area.

The evaluation unit 119 evaluates each candidate position 306 included in the specified area based on the radio wave irradiation range 307, non-irradiation ranges 314A and 314B, and planned detection area 303. In a specific example, the evaluation unit 119 determines a rank for each candidate position 306 included in the specified area. The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display multiple marks corresponding to each of the multiple candidate positions 306 in the area specified by the user in the image 108A.

Figure 10 shows an example of an installation location determination screen when an area including multiple candidate locations is specified. The user can operate the input device 201, for example by dragging and dropping, to specify an area (hereinafter referred to as a "candidate area") 318 including multiple candidate locations 306. The candidate area 318 is, for example, a rectangular area. The candidate area 318 is a collection of multiple unit areas, and each unit area is a candidate location 306. The unit area is, for example, a rectangular area.

The evaluation results for each candidate location 306 included in the candidate area 318 are displayed in the candidate area 318. That is, marks indicating the rank of each candidate location 306 are displayed side by side in the candidate area 318. Therefore, by checking the marks included in the candidate area 318, the user can check the rank of each candidate location 306 included in the candidate area 318 all at once.

When a candidate area 318 is specified, the radio wave irradiation range 307 and non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B corresponding to each candidate position 306 are determined. When a candidate area 318 is specified, the radio wave irradiation range 307 and non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B are not displayed on the image 108A. This avoids the clutter that would otherwise be caused by displaying multiple radio wave irradiation ranges 307 and non-irradiation ranges 314A, 314B.

The display control unit 112 causes the display device 203 to display the evaluation results of multiple candidate locations 306 on the installation location determination screen. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of an installation location determination screen on which the evaluation results of multiple candidate locations are displayed. Once the evaluation results of each candidate location 306 included in the candidate area 318 are obtained, an installation location determination screen 300B is displayed, which includes an evaluation result display section 317 showing the evaluation results of the multiple candidate locations 306. The evaluation result display section 317 displays a list of the evaluation results of the multiple candidate locations 306 included in the candidate area 318. The display items in the evaluation result display section 317 are the same as the display items in the evaluation result display section 317 shown in Figure 8.

The user can consider the evaluation results of the candidate locations 306 described above and determine one candidate location 306 as the installation location for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. Returning to FIG. 3 , the form creation unit 120 creates a form for installing the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 at the candidate location 306, based on the target location 305 determined by the target location determination unit 114 and the candidate location 306 accepted by the candidate location designation unit 115. The output unit 121 outputs the form created by the form creation unit 120. In a specific example, the output unit 121 outputs print data for the form to the printer 202, and the printer 202 prints the form. The output unit 121 may also display the form on the display device 203.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a form. Form 320 includes information used to install an infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 at a candidate location 306 (hereinafter referred to as "installation location 322") determined as the installation location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. Form 320 includes image 108A including a crosswalk. Image 108A shows a first reference point 321A, a second reference point 321B, a third reference point 321C, and an installation location 322. First reference point 321A and second reference point 321B are information for identifying installation location 322. Third reference point 321C is information for identifying target location 305.

Returning to Figure 4, the installation position determination screen 300 includes a reference point setting section 323. The reference point setting section 323 is an area where the user sets the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B. The reference point setting section 323 includes multiple input boxes for inputting the coordinate values of the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B. The user can specify the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B in the image 108A by inputting coordinate values into each input box in the reference point setting section 323, or by clicking and specifying any point on the displayed image 108A.

The first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B are points that serve as landmarks for identifying the installation position on-site. For this reason, it is preferable that the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B be points that can be easily recognized by workers on-site. In the example of FIG. 11, the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B are the zebra's lower left edge 311G and the zebra's lower right edge 311H. The installation support device 100 can set, for example, two points from the zebra's upper left edge 311C, the zebra's upper right edge 311D, the outflow boundary's upper left edge 311E, the outflow boundary's upper right edge 311F, the zebra's lower left edge 311G, and the zebra's lower right edge 311H (see FIG. 5) as default values for the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B.

The installation assistance device 100 may be able to accept a user's designation of a third reference point 321C on the image 108A. For example, the reference point setting unit 323 may include an input box for inputting the coordinate values of the third reference point 321C. The user may be able to designate the third reference point 321C on the image 108A by inputting coordinate values into each input box of the reference point setting unit 323, or by clicking and designating any point on the displayed image 108A.

The third reference point 321C is a landmark used to identify the target position 305 on-site. For this reason, it is preferable that the third reference point 321C be a point that can be easily recognized by workers on-site. In the example of FIG. 11, the third reference point 321C is the upper left corner 311C of the zebra. The installation support device 100 can set, for example, one of the upper left corner 311C or the upper right corner 311D of the zebra as the default value for the third reference point 321C.

Returning to FIG. 12, the report 320 includes distance information 324A from the first reference point 321A to the installation position 322 and distance information 324B from the second reference point 321B to the installation position 322. The distances between the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B and the installation position 322 are calculated based on the preset scale of the image 108A. The distance information 324A includes information on the reference distance and the allowable margin. In the example of FIG. 12, the distance information 324A is 7.8 m ± 1 m, meaning the reference distance is 7.8 m and the margin is ±1 m. The distance information 324B is 8.6 m ± 1 m, meaning the reference distance is 8.6 m and the margin is ±1 m. A worker can measure the actual distance from the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B on-site and identify the installation position 322.

The form 320 includes guidance information 325 that provides guidance on how to identify the installation location 322 from the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B. The guidance information 325 allows the worker to understand how to identify the installation location 322 from the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B.

The report 320 includes distance information 324C from the third reference point 321C to the target position 305. The distance between the third reference point 321C and the target position 305 is calculated based on the scale of the image 108A. In the example of FIG. 12, the distance information 324C is 3.5 m. The worker can measure the actual distance from the third reference point 321C on-site and identify the target position 305.

The form 320 includes guidance information 326 that provides guidance on how to set the angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. In the example of FIG. 12, the guidance information 326 explains how to align the center of the radio wave emission direction with the target position 305 using a sight fixed to the housing of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. The guidance information 326 allows the worker to understand how to set the angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10.

The following describes how a worker installs the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 using the form 320. The worker identifies the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B specified in the form 320 at the crosswalk site. The worker measures the distance from the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B, and identifies as the installation location 322 the position where the distance from the first reference point 321A matches the distance information 324A and the distance from the second reference point 321B matches the distance information 324B.

If necessary, the worker adjusts the position or angle of the structure 50 and attaches the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 to the structure 50 so that the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is located at the installation position 322. At this time, the worker can adjust the installation position of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 within the margin specified in the form 320.

The worker identifies the third reference point 321C specified in the form 320 at the crosswalk site. The worker measures the distance from the third reference point 321C and identifies the position where the distance from the third reference point 321C matches the distance information 324C as the target position 305. The worker uses a sight (not shown) attached to the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 to adjust the angle of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 so that it is aimed at the target position 305. This completes the installation of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10.

4. Operation of the installation support device
By starting the installation support program 107 using the processor 101, the installation support device 100 can execute the image input processing, planned detection area determination processing, obstacle setting processing, first installation position determination support processing, second installation position determination support processing, and report output processing described below.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the image input process. The processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display the installation position determination screen 300 (step S101). The user can specify the image data 108 to input by operating the input device 201 to select button 302 (see Figure 4). The processor 101 accepts the input of the image data 108 (image 108A) (step S102). The processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display the input image 108A in the display area 301 of the installation position determination screen 300 (step S103). This completes the image input process.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the planned detection area determination process. The user can input area definition points 311A-311H by entering coordinate values in each input box of the zebra setting unit 319, or by clicking and specifying a point on the displayed image 108A. The processor 101 accepts input of area definition points 311A-311H that define the zebra area 304 (step S201).

The processor 101 determines the zebra area 304 (see Figure 5) based on the input area definition points 311A-311H (step S202). Based on the determined zebra area 304, the processor 101 determines the planned detection area 303, as well as the incoming side waiting area 303A, the incoming side zebra area 303B, the outgoing side zebra area 303C, and the outgoing side waiting area 303D (step S203).

The processor 101 superimposes the determined partial areas, i.e., the incoming side waiting area 303A, the incoming side zebra area 303B, the outgoing side zebra area 303C, and the outgoing side waiting area 303D, on the image 108A and displays them on the display device 203 (step S204).

The processor 101 determines the target position 305 for radio wave irradiation, for example, based on the determined partial area or on input from the user (step S205). This completes the planned detection area determination process.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for obstacle setting processing. The user can input obstacle definition points into the installation assistance device 100 by inputting coordinate values into each input box of the obstacle setting unit 313, or by clicking and specifying the obstacle definition points in the displayed image 108A. The processor 101 accepts the input of the obstacle definition points (step S301). The processor 101 sets the obstacles to be irradiated with radio waves based on the input definition points (step S302). This completes the obstacle setting processing.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the first installation position determination support process. The user can specify a candidate position 306 by operating the input device 201, for example, by clicking a desired point on the image 108A. The processor 101 accepts the user's specification of the candidate position 306 (step S401).

The processor 101 determines the radio wave irradiation range 307 based on the specified candidate position 306 and the target position 305 (step S402). Furthermore, the processor 101 determines the non-irradiation ranges 314A and 314B based on the specified candidate position 306 and the set obstacles (traffic light poles 309A and 309B) (step S403).

The processor 101 displays an arrow 308 pointing from the candidate position 306 to the target position 305 on the display device 203, superimposed on the image 108A (step S404). Furthermore, the processor 101 displays the determined radio wave irradiation range 307 and non-irradiation ranges 314A and 314B, superimposed on the image 108A (step S405).

The processor 101 executes an evaluation process to evaluate the candidate locations 306 (step S406). Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the evaluation process procedure.

The processor 101 calculates the coverage rate (overall coverage rate) of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in the entire planned detection area 303, and calculates the coverage rate (partial coverage rate) of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in each partial area (step S501).

The processor 101 determines whether there is a partial area whose partial coverage rate is less than the first threshold (step S502).

If there is a partial area where the partial coverage rate is less than the first threshold (YES in step S502), the processor 101 determines whether the total coverage rate is less than the second threshold (step S503).

If the overall coverage rate is less than the second threshold (YES in step S503), the processor 101 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 to be "E" (step S504).

If the overall coverage rate is greater than or equal to the second threshold (NO in step S503), the processor 101 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 to be "D" (step S505).

If the partial coverage rates of all partial areas are equal to or greater than the first threshold (NO in step S502), the processor 101 determines whether the candidate location 306 falls outside the recommended range 315A and the semi-recommended range 315B, i.e., whether the candidate location 306 falls within the non-recommended range 315C (step S506).

If the candidate location 306 falls within the non-recommended range 315C (YES in step S506), the processor 101 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 to be "C" (step S507).

If the candidate location 306 falls within the recommended range 315A or the semi-recommended range 315B (NO in step S506), the processor 101 determines whether the candidate location 306 falls within the semi-recommended range 315B (step S508).

If the candidate location 306 falls within the semi-recommended range 315B (YES in step S508), the processor 101 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 to be "B" (step S509).

If the candidate location 306 is outside the semi-recommended range 315B, i.e., if the candidate location 306 is within the recommended range 315A (NO in step S508), the processor 101 determines the rank of the candidate location 306 to be "A" (step S510). This completes the evaluation process.

Returning to FIG. 16, the processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display a mark corresponding to the rank of the evaluation result at the candidate position 306 of the image 108A (step S407). The processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display information such as the coordinate values and rank of the candidate position 306 in the evaluation result display section 317 of the installation position determination screen 300A.

The user can input an instruction to move the candidate position 306 to the installation support device 100 by operating the input device 201. The processor 101 determines whether or not an instruction to move the candidate position 306 has been received from the user (step S408). If an instruction to move the candidate position 306 has been received from the user (YES in step S408), the processor 101 returns to step S402. This updates the display of the radio wave irradiation range 307 and non-irradiation ranges 314A and 314B, and determines the rank of the new candidate position 306.

If the user does not issue an instruction to move the candidate position 306 to the installation support device 100 (NO in step S408), the first installation position determination support process ends.

Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the second installation position determination support process. The user can operate the input device 201 to specify a desired range in the image 108A by dragging and dropping, thereby specifying a candidate area 318. The processor 101 accepts the user's specification of the candidate area 318 (step S601).

The processor 101 selects one position (candidate position 306) within the specified candidate area 318 (step S602).

The processor 101 determines the radio wave irradiation range 307 based on the selected candidate location 306 and the target location 305 (step S603). Furthermore, the processor 101 determines the non-irradiation ranges 314A and 314B based on the selected candidate location 306 and the set obstacles (traffic light poles 309A and 309B) (step S604).

The processor 101 executes the evaluation process described above (step S605).

The processor 101 determines whether all positions within the candidate area 318 have been selected (step S606). If unselected positions remain (NO in step S606), the processor 101 returns to step S602 and selects one of the unselected positions (step S602). The processor 101 executes the processing from step S603 onwards.

If all positions within the candidate area 318 have been selected (YES in step S606), the processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display a mark corresponding to the rank of the evaluation result at each position within the candidate area 318 on the image 108A (step S607). The processor 101 causes the display device 203 to display a list of information such as the coordinate values and rank of each candidate position 306 in the evaluation result display section 317 of the installation position determination screen 300B. This completes the second installation position determination support process.

Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the report output process. After the evaluation results for the candidate positions 306 have been output, the user can input a report creation instruction to the installation support device 100. Upon receiving a report creation instruction from the user, the processor 101 calculates the distance between the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B and the installation position 322 based on the distance between the first reference point 321A and the second reference point 321B and the installation position 322 on the image 108A and the scale of the image 108A (step S701).

The processor 101 calculates the distance between the third reference point 321C and the target position 305 based on the distance between the third reference point 321C and the target position 305 on the image 108A and the scale of the image 108A (step S702).

The processor 101 creates the form 320 using the installation position 322, the first reference point 321A, the second reference point 321B, the third reference point 321C, the calculated distances between the installation position 322 and each of the first and second reference points 321A and 321B, and the distance between the third reference point 321C and the target position 305 (step S703). The processor 101 displays the created form 320 on the display device 203 (step S704).

The user can input a print instruction for the displayed form 320 into the installation support device 100. The processor 101 determines whether a print instruction for the form 320 has been received from the user (step S705).

If an instruction to print the form 320 is received (YES in step S705), the processor 101 outputs the print command and printing data for the form to the printer 202, and causes the printer 202 to print the form (step S706). After causing the printer 202 to print the form 320, or if an instruction to print the form 320 is not received from the user, the processor 101 ends the form output process without causing the printer 202 to print the form 320.

5. Modifications
In the above-described embodiment, the installation support device 100 evaluates the candidate location 306 based on the overlap between the radio wave irradiation range 307 and the planned detection area 303. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the installation support device 100 may evaluate the candidate location 306 based on the overlap between the radio wave irradiation range 307 and the zebra area 304.

6. Effects
The installation assistance device 100 includes a target position determination unit 114, a candidate position designation unit 115, and a display control unit 112. The target position determination unit 114 determines a target position 305 of radio wave irradiation by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 100 in an image 108A that includes a crosswalk. The candidate position designation unit 115 accepts designation from a user of a candidate position 306 in the image 108A that is a candidate for the installation position of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 100. The display control unit 112 superimposes a radio wave irradiation range 307 of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 100, which is determined based on the determined target position 305 and the designated candidate position 306, on the image 108A and displays it on the display device 203. The candidate position designation unit 115 can accept an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position 306. When the candidate position designation unit 115 receives an instruction to move the candidate position 306, the display control unit 112 changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position 306, while keeping the target position 305 fixed. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 when the candidate position 306 is moved.

The installation assistance device 100 may include an input device 201. The input device 201 is used to specify coordinates in the image 108A. The candidate position specification unit 115 may accept continuous changes in the coordinates specified by the user via the input device 201 as an instruction to move the candidate position 306. The display control unit 112 may change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 by real-time processing in accordance with the continuous changes in the specified coordinates. This allows the user to confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in real time in accordance with the continuous changes in the coordinates in the image 108A.

The display control unit 112 may display a straight line or line segment connecting the target position 305 and the candidate position 306 on the display device 203, superimposed on the image 108A and the radio wave irradiation range 307. This allows the user to visually confirm the reference direction of radio wave irradiation connecting the target position 305 and the candidate position 306.

The straight line or line segment may be an arrow 308 pointing from the candidate position 306 to the target position 305. This allows the user to visually confirm where and to where the radio waves are being emitted.

The display control unit 112 may superimpose the planned detection area 303, which is planned as the detection area 30 for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 to detect an object, on the image 108A and the radio wave irradiation range 307 and display it on the display device 203. This allows the user to visually confirm the overlap between the planned detection area 303 and the radio wave irradiation range 307.

The planned detection area 303 may be divided into multiple partial areas 303A-303D. The display control unit 112 may display each of the multiple partial areas 303A-303D on the display device 203, superimposed on the image 108A and the radio wave irradiation range 307. This allows the user to visually confirm the overlap between each of the partial areas 303A-303D and the radio wave irradiation range 307.

The display control unit 112 may superimpose non-irradiated areas 314A, 314B, in which the radio waves emitted by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 are blocked by an object, on the image 108A. The display control unit 112 may change the shape of the non-irradiated areas 314A, 314B in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position 306. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the non-irradiated areas 314A, 314B when the candidate position 306 is moved.

The display control unit 112 may control the display device 203 to display a mark indicating the evaluation result of the candidate location 306 as an installation location for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 at the candidate location 306 in the image 108A. This allows the user to visually confirm the evaluation result of the candidate location 306 as an installation location.

The candidate position designation unit 115 may accept a user designation of a candidate area 318 in the image 108A that includes multiple candidate positions 306. The display control unit 112 may cause the display device 203 to display multiple marks corresponding to each of the multiple candidate positions 306 in the candidate area 318 in the image 108A designated by the user. This allows the user to visually confirm the evaluation results of each candidate position 306 in the designated candidate area 318.

The display control unit 112 may cause the display device 203 to display a mark in a color corresponding to the rank of the candidate location 306. This allows the user to visually confirm the rank of the candidate location 306.

The method for determining the installation location of an infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 is a method for determining the installation location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 using an installation support device 100 that supports the installation of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10. The method for determining the installation location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 includes the step of specifying a candidate position 306, which is a candidate installation location for the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10, in an image 108A displayed on the installation support device 100 and includes a crosswalk, thereby causing the installation support device 100 to display a radio wave irradiation range 307 of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 superimposed on the image 108A. The radio wave irradiation range 307 is determined based on a target position 305 for radio wave irradiation by the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 and the specified candidate position 306. The method for determining the installation location of the infrastructure radio wave sensor 10 further includes the step of instructing the installation support device 100 to move the specified candidate position 306, thereby causing the installation support device 100 to change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 in accordance with the movement of the specified candidate position 306 while keeping the target position 305 fixed. This allows the user to visually confirm the change in the shape of the radio wave irradiation range 307 when the candidate position 306 is moved.

[7. Supplementary Notes]
The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above-described embodiments, and includes meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

10. Infrastructure radio wave sensor (radio wave sensor)
20 Crosswalk 30 Detection area 40 Radio wave irradiation range 50 Structure 51 Pole 52 Arm 100 Installation support device 101 Processor 102 Non-volatile memory 103 Volatile memory 104 Input/output interface (I/O)
105 Graphic controller 106 Communication interface (communication I/F)
107 Installation support program 108 Image data 108A Image 111 Image input unit 112 Display control unit 113 Area determination unit 114 Target position determination unit 115 Candidate position designation unit 116 Radio wave irradiation range determination unit 117 Obstacle setting unit 118 Non-irradiation range determination unit 119 Evaluation unit 120 Report creation unit 121 Output unit 201 Input device 202 Printer 203 Display device 300, 300A, 300B Installation position determination screen 301 Display area 302 Button 303 Planned detection area 303A Incoming side waiting area 303B Incoming side zebra area 303C Outgoing side zebra area 303D Outgoing side waiting area 304 Zebra area 305 Target position 306, 306A, 306B Candidate positions 307, 307A, 307B Radio wave irradiation range 308, 308A, 308B Arrow 309A, 309B Traffic light pole 310A Entering road 310B Exiting road 311A Upper center of zebra (area definition point)
311B Zebra center bottom (area definition point)
311C Zebra top left corner (area definition point)
311D Zebra top right corner (area definition point)
311E Upper left edge of outflow boundary (area definition point)
311F Upper right end of outflow boundary (area definition point)
311G Zebra bottom left (area definition point)
311H Zebra bottom right (area definition point)
312A, 312B Sidewalk 313 Obstacle setting section 314A, 314B, 314AA, 314AB, 314BA, 314BB Non-irradiation range 315A Recommended range 315B Semi-recommended range 315C Non-recommended range 317 Evaluation result display section 318 Candidate area 319 Zebra setting section 320 Report 321A First reference point 321B Second reference point 321C Third reference point 322 Installation position 323 Reference point setting section 324A, 324B, 324C Distance information 325, 326 Guidance information

Claims (11)

a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by a radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk;
a candidate position designation unit that accepts designation from a user of a candidate position in the image that is a candidate for an installation position of the radio wave sensor;
a display control unit that displays, on a display device, a radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor that is determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position, superimposed on the image;
Equipped with
the candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position,
when the candidate position designation unit receives the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position while keeping the target position fixed ;
the display control unit causes the display device to display a planned detection area, which is planned as a detection area for the radio wave sensor to detect an object, superimposed on the image and the radio wave irradiation range.
Radio wave sensor installation support device. an input device for specifying coordinates in the image;
the candidate position designation unit accepts a continuous change in coordinates designated by the user via the input device as an instruction to move the candidate position;
the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range by real-time processing in accordance with continuous changes in the specified coordinates.
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to claim 1. the display control unit causes the display device to display a straight line or a line segment connecting the target position and the candidate position superimposed on the image and the radio wave irradiation range.
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to claim 1 or 2. the straight line or the line segment is an arrow pointing from the candidate position to the target position;
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to claim 3. The planned detection area is divided into a plurality of partial areas,
the display control unit causes the display device to display each of the plurality of partial areas superimposed on the image and the radio wave irradiation range.
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . the display control unit displays a non-irradiated area in which radio waves irradiated by the radio wave sensor are blocked by an object, superimposed on the image;
the display control unit changes the shape of the non-illumination area in response to movement of the instructed candidate position.
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . the display control unit controls the display device to display a mark indicating an evaluation result of the candidate position as an installation position of the radio wave sensor at the candidate position in the image.
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . the candidate position designation unit accepts designation from the user of an area in the image that includes the plurality of candidate positions;
the display control unit causes the display device to display a plurality of the marks corresponding to the plurality of candidate positions, respectively, in the area in the image specified by the user;
The radio wave sensor installation support device according to claim 7 . the display control unit causes the display device to display the mark in a color corresponding to the rank of the candidate position.
9. The radio wave sensor installation support device according to claim 7 or 8 . A computer program for causing a computer to assist in installation of a radio wave sensor,
The computer
a target position determination unit that determines a target position for radio wave irradiation by the radio wave sensor in an image including a crosswalk;
a candidate position designation unit that receives, from a user, designation of a candidate position that is a candidate for an installation position of the radio wave sensor in the image; and a display control unit that displays, on a display device, a radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor that is determined based on the determined target position and the designated candidate position, superimposed on the image.
It functions as
the candidate position designation unit is capable of receiving an instruction from the user to move the designated candidate position,
when the candidate position designation unit receives the instruction to move, the display control unit changes the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position while keeping the target position fixed ;
the display control unit causes the display device to display a planned detection area, which is planned as a detection area for the radio wave sensor to detect an object, superimposed on the image and the radio wave irradiation range.
Computer program. 1. A method for determining an installation position of a radio wave sensor, comprising: determining an installation position of the radio wave sensor using an installation support device that supports installation of the radio wave sensor,
a step of specifying a candidate position that is a candidate for the installation position of the radio wave sensor in an image including the crosswalk displayed on the installation support device, and displaying on the installation support device a target position for radio wave irradiation by the radio wave sensor and a radio wave irradiation range of the radio wave sensor that is determined based on the specified candidate position superimposed on the image;
instructing the installation support device to move the designated candidate position, thereby causing the installation support device to change the shape of the radio wave irradiation range in accordance with the movement of the designated candidate position while keeping the target position fixed;
a step in which the installation assistance device displays a planned detection area, which is planned as a detection area for the radio wave sensor to detect an object, by superimposing the planned detection area on the image and the radio wave irradiation range;
Including,
A method for determining the installation location of a radio wave sensor.